A new peripherally implanted subcutaneous permanent central venous access device for patients requiring chemotherapy

A peripherally implanted central venous access device (P.A.S. Port; Pharmacia Deltec Inc, St Paul, MN) was evaluated for ease of insertion, functionality, acceptance, and complications in patients who required long-term venous access. A hand-held tracking system (Cath-Finder; Pharmacia Deltec Inc) used to determine catheter tip location was also evaluated.

A P.A.S. Port was placed in 47 patients who required long-term intravenous access. The median follow-up duration has been 32 weeks (range, 2 to 112). Total usage has been 2,028 catheter-weeks. The Cath-Finder was used to determine catheter tip location during insertion. Nursing staff and patient satisfaction were polled and functionality and complications were recorded.

The device was found to be simple to insert, the procedure well tolerated, and, with one exception, the Cath-Finder accurately predicted catheter tip location. There was a 6.4% incidence of transient phlebitis and a 6.4% incidence of symptomatic axillary or subclavian vein thrombosis. There were no infectious complications. Access was simple in all but two obese patients. The device functioned well in all patients, except three in whom blood aspiration was difficult and two in whom fluid administration was slow. The device was well tolerated by all patients and nursing staff satisfaction was high.

This device provides a highly acceptable, additional method of implantable, permanent central venous access for chemotherapy patients with a low complication rate. The successful use of the Cath-Finder and minor extent of the procedure may allow this device to be inserted in a clinic procedure room without sedation and fluoroscopy.